This photo taken on July 12, 2024 shows an aerial view of an out-of-control wildfire near the northeastern town of Wabush in Canada. Photo: AFP / SIMON CONTANT
Fire and Emergency is deploying seven staffers to help its Canadian counterparts battle extensive wildfires in British Columbia.
The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre sent a formal request for help last week, with 157 wildfires in the province as of Friday morning.
However, the fires are widespread, with 685 raging across the country.
Fire and Emergency, along with the Department of Conservation and Forest Protection Services, is sending seven incident management team members to Canada on Sunday.
They include an agency liaison representative, two helicopter coordinators, two division supervisors and two operations branch directors.
Fire and Emergency national commander Russell Wood said the situation was significant.
"We're happy to provide support to our Canadian colleagues as they experience another difficult wildfire season," Wood said.
"In addition to helping the Canadian wildfire teams, deploying overseas is a valuable development opportunity for those involved. It gives them experience in different environments which they can bring back and apply to New Zealand wildfires."
The 'Alpha' contingent will be Fire and Emergency's 72nd international wildfire deployment since 2000 - the seven crew follow in the footsteps of 1509 firefighters deployed internationally in that time.
